Help for the handy in Eagle this weekend

<b>Special to the Daily</b>Melissa Kline from Impact Energy, one of the Eagle Valley Alliance for Sustainability energy analysts, stands in front of the Energy Smart Colorado booth at last year's Western Slope Home Show.

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Owning a home is like being a parent - your work is never really done.Whether it's looking at energy efficiency or decorating inspiration, home ownership or potential home ownership is an ever-evolving state. That's not to say that the journey can't be fun. That's where the Energy Smart Colorado Western Slope Home Show comes in.The home show offers participants a chance to see the latest in home technology and products, talk to seasoned mountain building professionals and even grab some swag. For a few lucky show-go'ers, large item giveaways are awarded, including a whole new set of bedroom, living room or dining room furniture, compliments of American Furniture Warehouse."You could go to a big box store and spend hours looking at just one thing, or you can come to this home show and get information on a whole bunch of things," said Holli Snyder, general manager of NRC 360, the event sponsor. "This show runs the gamut of everything you could possibly want. The reason you want to go to this show is you can find lots of solutions under one roof."Talk to a tradesmanIf a homeowner is thinking about taking on projects to maximize the energy efficiency of his or her dwelling, this year's home show is particularly pertinent. Energy Smart Colorado is this year's title sponsor and representatives will be signing up participants for home energy audits. Additionally, many of the show vendors will be presenting energy efficient products and services. Snyder noted that the home show gives attendees face time with various vendors as they consider their next home improvement."You get to talk to the actual owners of local companies who know the answers to questions and know how to help you," she said. "With the economy improving, people are starting to look at projects and this is a great opportunity to talk with our local tradesmen and businesses."The show also does its part to help the local community. A $2 suggested donation at the door goes to Habitat for Humanity of Eagle and Lake Counties.For more information about the Energy Smart Colorado Western Slope Home Show, visit the event website at www.westernslopehomeshow.com.

Anyone who has ever upgraded a personal computer knows finding a new machine is much easier than getting rid of an old one. But the challenges associated with safely disposing of old electronics will be addressed during a special recycling collection event held in cooperation with the Energy Smart Colorado Western Slope Home Show.The electronics recycling is sponsored by the Eagle Valley Alliance for Sustainability, Always Mountain Time networks and High Country Computer Services. Collection is slated between 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Eagle River Center parking lot. Metech Recycling, a certified e-Stewards recycler will be collecting the used electronics and the following fees will be charged:• Cell phones/PDAs/iPods/Cords - Free• Televisions with monitors up to 20 inches - $10• Televisions with monitors 21 to 32 inches - $18• Televisions with monitors more than 32 inches - $25• Desktop computers/laptop computers/keyboards/ prints/fax machines/stereos/small appliances/DVD players/VCR players - $5For more information, contact John-Ryan Lockman with the Eagle Valley Alliance for Sustainability at 970-827-9999 or johnryan@eaglevalleyalliance.org.